New putters: All shapes and sizes

New putters: All shapes and sizes

The skinny: The Backstryke alignment system exposes the entire putter face with no visual interference from the shaft. Furthermore, the shaft has a forward lean that allows a player to use a hands-forward position without delofting the putter. Padraig Harrington already is using this putter.

Cost: $199

Available: April 15

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Frankly Frog Blade

The skinny: The Frankly Frog Blade is the newest putter from Frank Thomas, former longtime technical director of the U.S. Golf Association. The Blade, with a much smaller head than the Original Frog or the Mid Mallet Frog, is designed to appeal to skilled players.

Cost: $199

Available: Immediate

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Bettinardi BB32

The skinny: Bob Bettinardi has a reputation for starting with classic designs and ending up with stylish modern putters. The BB32 is no exception. It is a pear-shaped mallet with a generous flange for maximum perimeter weighting. The putter is made with a “spud” neck and double-bend shaft.

Cost: MSRP $265

Available: March 15

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Yar GX1

The skinny: The GX1 was designed in Tempe, Ariz., by physicist Essay Anne Vanderbilt. The putter head is neither face-balanced nor toe-down, but hangs with a heel-down orientation. Says Ed Gowan, executive director of the Arizona Golf Association: “There is no phony science here. The putter is designed like the wing of an airplane. I don’t think I’ve missed inside 5 feet in the last month.”

Cost: MSRP $299.99

Available: Immediate

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TaylorMade Rossa Spider Vicino

The skinny: Vicino means “near” or “next” in Italian, and TaylorMade is labeling this putter as the next generation in the Spider family. The Vicino is a streamlined version of the original Monza Spider and was created because several PGA Tour players wanted a cleaner look. To do this, the putter wings (containing weight ports) were moved closer to the body.

Cost: $199

Available: March 25

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Yes! Golf Morgan

The skinny: This is a high-MOI, multimaterial putter made of 303 stainless steel (body), aeronautical aluminum (face) and ultra-heavy tungsten (back). With a gooseneck hosel, the Morgan is a toe-down putter in the style of many classic putters.

Cost: MSRP $360

Available: April 1

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Tad Moore Pro S7

The skinny: This classic look from veteran club designer Tad Moore has a plumber’s-neck hosel and a sound slot in the back. It is made of carbon steel and is available in nickel or triple-black oxide finish. Also comes with choice of grips: standard Iomic or Tad Moore Velvet Signature.